Yamang Bukid Farm recognizes, honors ‘unsung hero’ farmers

It was a remarkable day for the farmers of Yamang Bukid Farm who were recognized as “unsung heroes” in the 4th Agros Festival that was celebrated together with their families, visitors and invited guests filled with fun-packed activities last Saturday, February 16, at Barangay Bacungan, Sitio Kandis III, Puerto Princesa City.

Hundreds of visitors came together with the YB guests, farmers, employees, barangay officials and also with the City officials who had been part in the wonderful celebration of the farmers’ day. A heartwarming speech opened the program as Kagawad Daniel Anjan, YB General Manager, reminisced the life of the farmers before and how grateful they are now to be part of Yamang Bukid.

“Kung natatandaan nyo po, napakasimple lang po ng [mga] pangarap natin, wala tayong pangarap, [kundi] magtanim lang ng luyang dilaw. Dahil sa kasipagan natin, nandito po [at] nakikita natin ang bawat isa sa atin kung paano [tayo makakaahon] sa kahirapan. Marami po sa atin dito na mga farmers kung matatandaan natin noon [ay] nag uuling po tayo, namumutol ng punong kahoy para mabuhay ang ating pamilya, para makakain ng tatlong beses ang ating pamilya sa isang araw, ngayon po malaking Malaki [ang] pinagkaiba, ngayon po [ay] masaya tayong nagtatrabahao sa Yamang Bukid. At tuwing umaga, dala po natin ang ngiti at pag asa, natuto po tayo ng mga values kung paano makisalamuha sa mga tao [at] kung paano mamuhay ng tama,’’ Kagawad Anjan said.

City Councilor Maria Nancy expressed her appreciation and admiration of Yamang Bukid. “Thank you for helping the community, thank you for providing jobs over a hundred people, thank you for helping the lives of the people of Ba. Bacungan and most of all thank you sapagkat pinakita nyo po sa kanila [at] sa aming lahat yung kakaibang pananaw sa buhay na may kinabukasan po tayong lahat sa agrikultura. Hindi po natin kailangan na tayo [ay] sa mall magtrabaho, hindi kailangan na bongga ang ating natapos [sa pag-aaral]. May pera sa agrikultura, may kinabukasan at yan ang napakahalagang mensahe na binibigay ng Yamang Bukid,’’ Socrates said.

Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn Laviňa expressed her warm support to Yamang Bukid, in her speech, she said that farmers are the lifeline of the agriculture.

“Itong Yamang Bukid will really go on… for the farmers, kayo talaga ang buhay ng agrikultura, kayo ang mga unsung heroes… Sustainability, ay hindi pwedeng mangyari kung wala yung mga kabataan, nakita through the children and how Yamang Bukid is doing within the community… #AgricuturalFromTheHeart do good things always for others because the return will be doubled, tripled and with love,’’ Undersecretary Laviňa said in her inspirational message.

As part of the celebration, the Yamang Bukid has its own way to appreciate the most outstanding employees by giving them awards as a surprised recognition for them. The awardees received a certificate of recognition and cash for their untiring diligence and dedication in their work.

Sonny Apdon, one of the farmer awardees who is a former “mag-uuling,’’ was filled with joy as he unexpectedly heard his name.

“Ang saya. Isa po ako sa na-awardan ng Yamang Bukid. Di ko alam na siguro nakita nila yung pagsisikap [ko] na mapaganda yung aming trabaho. Hindi ko po ini-expect na may award na maibibigay. Ngayon po ay mas paiigihin ko pa ang pagtatrabaho para sa aking pamilya,” Apdon said.

Mouth-watering food and nutritious vegetables harvested from the farm were served as buffet lunch to all visitors and guests.

Aside from the recognition given to the farmers, a zippy and playful traditional Pinoy games were enjoyed.

The games played were Palosebo, Tuba Drinking Challenge, Kadang-kadang Race, Karerang Sako, Palayuan ng Pagbato ng Itlog, tug of war and also with the participation of their carabaos with a twist, “Pinakamagandang kalabaw sa balat ng lupa”, and the “Karerang Kalabaw.” Every game was filled with enjoyment.

The festival indeed ignited camaraderie among the true “Yamang people of Yamang Bukid” as well as with the visitors and guests who truly admired the unwavering dedication of these “unsung heroes” of agriculture.

It’s a joy serving and loving people at Yamang Bukid as their president said, “Happiness could only be yours if you start living for others; by doing it with a heart.”